chrysalis after-school

we don't just teach girls.

we build the next generation of leaders.

The idea that a girl can become a chemical engineer, carpenter, veterinarian, or corporate CEO was a notion that didn't exist years ago. Since we created Chrysalis After-School in 1998, our experience is that we can change this perspective for hundreds of adolescent girls every year.

Today, Chrysalis After-School is the community's leading program for girls ages 9 to 14 and for high school girls' leadership development. Our emphasis on resilience, connectedness, self-confidence, and health includes volunteerism, academic support, leadership development, STEM engagement, financial literacy, and mentoring.

To understand what's going on in the lives of adolescent girls, we involve them in all aspects of planning and implementation of Chrysalis After-School. Annual evaluations demonstrate the success of this strategy, as participant results report statistically higher changes (when compared with girls not in Chrysalis After-School programs) in the following areas:

intent to finish high school
ability to resist peer pressure
willingness to take responsibility for one's actions
understanding that working hard today can lead to a successful future

chrysalis after-school sites: 2022-2023

Every program site requires leadership from a school staff member and from a local nonprofit partner.

HIGH SCHOOL/PARTNER

GirlPower Peer Mentors (Multiple High Schools) – Mercy Medical Center
Roosevelt High School – Give Joy

MIDDLE SCHOOL/PARTNER

Bondurant (3 programs) – ISU Polk County Extension
Brody – Brody PTO
Carlisle – Carlisle PTO

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/PARTNER

Hillis - Hillis PTO
Hillside – Can Play
Holy Family – Holy Family Youth Foundation
Howe – Young Women's Resource Center
Karen Acres (Urbandale) – Rotary Club of Northwest Des Moines
King – Community Youth Concepts
Lovejoy – Lovejoy Elementary School